The Government of Odisha on Thursday, 12 June 2026, issued an urgent order granting free bus travel to all 56,983 candidates registered to appear in the NEET (UG) Re-exam 2026, scheduled across 134 examination centres in the state on 21 June 2026. Students can avail the facility by presenting a valid admit card at the time of boarding.

What the Order Covers

The directive, issued by Odisha's Commerce and Transport Department, instructs the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), the State Transport Authority (STA), and the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) to implement the scheme in coordination with district administrations and the state Higher Education Department. The order mandates that arrangements be made 'at the earliest.'

The official order states that the initiative is aimed at reducing 'risk of heatstroke, support to economically weaker students and ensuring equitable access to examination centres,' and was approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Why the Re-Exam Is Being Held

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG 2026 — the qualifying examination for admission to MBBS programmes — was originally conducted on 3 May 2026 by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam was subsequently cancelled following allegations of irregularities. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the matter.

The re-examination on 21 June is being held under heightened scrutiny, with authorities under pressure to ensure both logistical fairness and procedural integrity.

Other States Follow Suit

Odisha is not alone in extending travel relief to NEET aspirants. The governments of Uttarakhand and Delhi have also announced free travel in state transport corporation buses for permanent residents appearing in the re-examination. The coordinated response across multiple states reflects growing political and administrative attention to the accessibility challenges facing medical entrance aspirants, particularly those from lower-income households.

Broader Impact

With over 56,000 students across Odisha set to travel to exam centres on a summer day in June, the heatstroke risk is a legitimate operational concern. The free travel order effectively removes a financial and logistical barrier for students who may otherwise struggle to reach distant centres on time. As the re-exam date approaches, all eyes will be on the NTA and state authorities to ensure a smooth, controversy-free conduct of the test.